Heavy clashes have erupted in Bahrain’s village of Malikiyah, south of capital Manama, as anti-regime protesters continue to brave the regime’s heavy crackdown on opposition demonstrations.

Saudi-backed Bahraini forces fired tear gas and used shotguns to disperse the anti-regime protesters.

Since mid-February 2011, thousands of pro-democracy protesters have staged numerous demonstrations in the streets of Bahrain, calling for the Al Khalifa royal family to relinquish power.

On March 14, 2011, troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates invaded the country to assist the Bahraini government in its crackdown on the peaceful protesters.

According to local sources, scores of people have been killed and hundreds arrested.

A new release of US Defense Department’s documents also revealed that Washington has been providing the Al Khalifa regime with weapons and combat vehicle parts.

Despite the foreign-backed clampdown, the Bahraini regime has failed to stop the demonstrations that continue on an almost daily basis.

SF/SS